Ontario Highway 412/418 Complete Guide: Toll-Free Status & Routes 2025
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Ontario Highway 412/418 Complete Guide
System: Toll-free since April 5, 2022 (previously distance-based tolls)
Coverage: Highway 412 (Whitby), Highway 418 (Clarington), Durham Region
Currency: N/A (toll-free)
Technology: Standard 400-series highway (no toll infrastructure)
Operators: Government of Ontario (Ministry of Transportation)
Do I Need to Pay Tolls on Highway 412/418? 2025 Update
No, you do not need to pay any tolls on Highway 412 or Highway 418 - both highways have been completely toll-free since April 5, 2022. The Doug Ford government fulfilled an election promise by permanently removing all toll charges on these Durham Region highways.
Key Reality: These were Ontario's only tolled north-south highways when operational. Removing tolls has saved Durham Region drivers an estimated $68 million over five years (2022-2027).
2025 Update: Highway 407 East (Pickering to Clarington) also became toll-free on June 1, 2025, completing the removal of provincial highway tolls in the region. Only the privately-owned 407 ETR remains tolled.
Highway 412/418 Routes: Current Status
Both highways serve as vital north-south connectors in Durham Region, linking Highway 401 to Highway 407/407 East for improved regional traffic flow.
Highway Route Details (2025)
| Highway | Location | Length | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Highway 412 | Whitby (West Durham Link) | 8.9 km (5.5 mi) | Toll-free since April 5, 2022 |
| Highway 418 | Clarington (East Durham Link) | 9.2 km (5.7 mi) | Toll-free since April 5, 2022 |
Key Connections
Highway 412 (Whitby):
- South terminus: Highway 401 (semi-directional T interchange)
- North terminus: Highway 407 East (near Highway 7)
- Major intersections: Britannia Avenue, Dundas Street, Highway 7
Highway 418 (Clarington):
- South terminus: Highway 401 (three-way interchange)
- North terminus: Highway 407 East (Y-interchange)
- Major intersections: Highway 2, Taunton Road
How to Use Highway 412/418
Highway 412 and 418 operate as standard 400-series highways with no special payment requirements:
1. Access Requirements:
- Valid driver's license (Ontario or equivalent)
- Properly registered and insured vehicle
- No transponders or special accounts needed
2. Speed Limits:
- Maximum: 100 km/h (62 mph) - standard 400-series limit
- Minimum: 60 km/h (37 mph) for highway access
- Construction zones: Variable (typically 80 km/h)
3. Connecting to Tolled Roads:
- 407 ETR (west of Brock Road): Requires transponder or video billing
- 407 East (east of Brock Road): Toll-free since June 1, 2025
- Clear signage indicates toll vs. toll-free sections
To calculate toll costs for remaining tolled highways in Ontario, use TollGuru Canada toll calculator
Recent Changes (2025)
Provincial Toll Elimination:
- Highway 407 East became toll-free June 1, 2025 (Pickering to Clarington)
- Complete elimination of provincial highway tolls in Durham Region
- Enhanced traffic flow between Highway 401 and regional destinations
Infrastructure Improvements:
- Ongoing maintenance and resurfacing projects
- Enhanced signage for toll-free vs. tolled highway sections
- Improved interchange connections to local road network
Economic Impact:
- Estimated $68 million savings for drivers (2022-2027)
- Reduced congestion on parallel local roads
- Enhanced economic competitiveness for Durham Region businesses
Historical Toll Information
For reference, here were the toll rates when Highway 412/418 were tolled (2017-2022):
Former Toll Rates (Discontinued April 5, 2022)
| Time Period | Light Vehicles | Heavy Vehicles | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Peak Hours | $0.28-0.30/km | $0.80-0.88/km | Weekdays 6:00-10:00, 15:00-19:00 |
| Off-Peak Hours | $0.19-0.22/km | $0.55-0.65/km | Evenings, nights, weekends |
Payment Methods (When Tolled): 407 ETR transponders, video billing, credit cards
Planning Your Journey
Cost Considerations
- Highway 412/418: Completely toll-free
- Highway 407 East: Toll-free since June 2025
- 407 ETR (west of Brock Road): Still tolled ($0.25-0.85/km)
- Only fuel and regular vehicle operating costs apply
Alternative Routes
- Lakeridge Road (Regional Road 23): Parallel to Highway 412
- Courtice Road (Regional Road 34): Near Highway 418
- Highway 401: East-west travel (often congested)
- Regional roads: Generally slower but toll-free alternatives
Travel Time Benefits
- Faster north-south travel than local roads
- Reduced congestion on Highway 401
- Direct connections to employment centers
- Improved access to Pickering, Oshawa, and eastern GTA
Regional Highway Information
Durham Region - Toll-Free Network:
- Highway 412: Whitby connector, opened June 2016
- Highway 418: Clarington connector, opened December 2019
- Highway 407 East: Provincial extension, toll-free since June 2025
- All provide alternatives to congested Highway 401
Connecting to Other Networks:
- 407 ETR: Private toll highway (Burlington to Pickering)
- QEW/403: Connects to southwestern Ontario
- Highway 404/DVP: Northern connections to Toronto
- Highway 115: Access to Peterborough and cottage country
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Highway 412 and 418 still tolled?
No, both highways have been completely toll-free since April 5, 2022. The Doug Ford government permanently removed all tolls as part of an election promise to reduce costs for Durham Region drivers.
Will tolls ever return to these highways?
The current government has committed to keeping these highways toll-free and has even introduced legislation to ban congestion charges on Ontario roads. However, future governments could potentially change these policies.
Do I need a transponder to use Highway 412/418?
No transponder is needed for Highway 412/418 as they are toll-free. However, if you continue onto the 407 ETR (west of Brock Road), you'll need a transponder or will be charged video toll rates.
What about Highway 407 East?
Highway 407 East (from Brock Road in Pickering to Highway 115) became toll-free on June 1, 2025. Only the privately-owned 407 ETR section (Burlington to Brock Road) remains tolled.
How much money are drivers saving?
The province estimates drivers are saving $68 million collectively over five years (2022-2027) from the removal of Highway 412/418 tolls, with additional savings from Highway 407 East becoming toll-free in 2025.
Ontario vs. Neighboring Regions
| Region | System Type | Typical Cost | Coverage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ontario | Mostly toll-free | Free (407 ETR only tolled) | Provincial highways |
| Quebec | Bridge tolls only | $1.50-4.00/crossing | A25/A30 bridges |
| New York | E-ZPass system | $0.06-0.15/mile | Extensive network |
| Manitoba | Toll-free | Free | All highways |
Useful Links & Resources
Government Resources:
- Ontario.ca: official government highway information
- Ministry of Transportation Ontario (MTO): construction updates and road conditions
- 511 Ontario: real-time traffic and road condition information
Regional Information:
- Durham Region: local traffic updates and regional road information
- Town of Whitby: Highway 412 area information
- Municipality of Clarington: Highway 418 area information
Emergency Contacts:
- Emergency Services: 911
- Ontario Provincial Police: *OPP (*677)
- MTO Highway Emergency: 1-800-268-4686
